The Smartcard project by regional transport authority Centro has seen more than 2,500 buses fitted with electronic card readers that pave the way for a local version of the London Oyster Card.
The Minister today marked the end of the Smartcard rollout by presenting a giant personalised version of a concessionary travel pass to Centro Chairman Angus Adams.
The on-board Smartcard readers are programmed to accept the free national concessionary passes for older and eligible blind and disabled people. Holders simply place their card on the reader when they board and wait for the green light to show or the audible beep to be heard.
Only holders of concessionary passes have to use the Smartcard readers at the moment but the successful installation of the machines will now enable new kinds of smart ticketing to be introduced. These will simplify the ticketing process and make public transport even more convenient.
Mr Baker said: "The benefits of smart ticketing are clear - quicker, easier and potentially better value journeys on trains, buses and trams.
"My personal vision is to see seamless travel on one smart card throughout the country by 2020, at the latest, and I believe the roll-out of smart ticketing will attract more people onto public transport.
"Smart ticketing is already part of everyday life for millions of people across England and I am pleased that travellers in the West Midlands will now be able to experience the same benefits.”
Virtually all the buses and depots belonging to the region’s bus companies have now been fitted out by Centro with Smartcard machines and back office computer equipment.
The machines read a microchip which is embedded in all concessionary passes that allow free travel on local buses in England.
However, holders of these passes in the West Midlands enjoy one of the best concessionary travel schemes in the country with Centro also providing them with free travel on West Midland trains and trams.
Centro chairman Cllr Angus Adam, said: “This has been a complex project but it paves the way for the introduction of a truly world class ticketing system.
“Now that our region’s buses are smart we can press on with work to introduce a West Midlands Smartcard, similar to the Oyster Card in London. This will enable passengers to pre-load their card with cash which is then deducted as it is used on the public transport network, regardless of which bus company’s service they get on.
“We are also looking at giving Smartcard holders discounted fares. All in all it will not only make using public transport even more convenient but will also greatly simplify the ticketing process.”
The technology has only been installed on buses so far but Centro is working with ticket machine suppliers to introduce a handheld Smartcard ticket machine that can be used by conductors on the Midland Metro trams.
Local rail operator London Midland also has a commitment to introduce Smartcard technology on the West Midlands rail network as part of its franchise agreement and Centro is working with the company to ensure their system is complimentary.
At the heart of the Centro ITSO smartcard scheme is the Wayfarer200 driver console, one of the world’s most advanced and user-friendly on-bus ticketing systems, developed and supported by Parkeon in the UK.
Owen Griffith, managing director of Parkeon Transit Limited, said: “We strongly value the relationship that we have developed with Centro and the operators in delivering this project and look forward to the significant benefits it will bring to the West Midlands.
“The ticketing system, which includes ITSO contactless card reading capability, will make travel easier for passengers, improve the delivery of customer information, and drive significant operational efficiencies through smarter transaction processing and accountability.”
ENDS
For more information contact Steve Swingler, Centro Media Manager on 0121 214 7073 mob; 0788 7794241 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For enquiries about Parkeon involvement, please contact Philip Colley, Harvest PR. Tel: 023 9244 9655 / 07785 306378